A garage is only as good as its tools, but those tools aren’t much good if you can’t find them. Storing your tools in worn-down shoeboxes or dusty storage bins is fine — until you need to find that very specific and very small drill bit. The truth is that organization is uniquely important when it comes to your garage, and that’s doubly true if that’s where you store your tools. All of those unique bits can be pretty hard to find when most of them look nearly identical and are only separated by a 1/4″. That’s why anyone who regularly uses tools needs to invest in the best garage toolbox, something with ample slots for storing both small nails, nuts and bolts as well as larger tools like cordless drills.
Garage toolboxes come in nearly endless varieties. Professionals and DIY experts will likely choose to invest in large tool chests. You can also organize your small items like screws and fasteners in plastic hardware cabinets. Another popular option: plastic tool boxes built with wheels to maximize convenience and portability. And, of course, you might decide to opt for all of the above when organizing your tools and garage.
Don’t let your garage and tool kit descend into chaos. To help you out, we’ve rounded up our favorite garage toolbox options below. Some of them are tall chests, similar to what you might see at a repair shop. And, since we know garage space can be precious, we’ve thrown in some compact rolling options that are about the size of a cooler. After all, even if you don’t have a large garage or workspace, that doesn’t mean you can’t still own a great tool chest.
1. DEWALT Mobile Storage Deep Box On Wheels
If you get separation anxiety when you’re away from your tools, consider this mobile storage box from DEWALT. It’s a rolling option, making it easy to carry more tools than you might otherwise be able to comfortably hold in your hands. For a portable toolbox, it’s still big enough to store an impressive amount of tools. The main compartment does not have internal organizers, so you can carry larger tools or add your own internal organizers.
Pros: Portable. Large enough to carry plenty of tools but portable enough for on-the-go settings.
Cons: This particular option does not have internal organizers.
2. Craftsman 3-Drawer Portable Chest Toolbox
For something with a classic workshop look, consider this portable toolbox from Craftsman. It’s made out of metal, making it more durable than some of the plastic options. There’s a top compartment that flips up and three pull-out drawers. The top handle can be used to carry the tool, or you can use it as an add-on for a larger tool chest.
Pros: Classic look, sturdy metal. Pull out drawers for easy access. Can be used on the go or on top of a workbench.
Cons: Narrow cabinets are not ideal for bulkier tools.
3. Milwaukee Rolling Tool Box
Milwaukee makes plenty of well-priced and reliable power tools, so it’s not surprising that they make a great place to store those tools, too. This compact storage box from the brand features a long telescoping handle and large rolling wheels, so it’s great for on-the-go use or keeping it close to you while you’re working. The box features a large main compartment. There are no internal organizers included, so you can customize the organization to your needs.
Pros: Long telescoping handle and large wheels for easily moving the toolbox around.
Cons: No internal organizers included. Those are sold separately.
4. Akro-Mils Hardware and Craft Cabinet, Black
This organizer may not have the classic look of red steel tool chests, but it’s arguably one of the best ways to organize those smaller bits and screws that are so easy to lose. The entire box is 20″ x 16″, making it a space-saving option for cluttered garages or small rooms. The plastic drawer compartments are partially transparent, so finding what you’re looking for is even easier. There are two drawer sizes — the smaller is 6″ x 2-1/4″ x 1-5/8″ and the larger is 6″ x 4-1/2″ x 2-3/16.” There are 32 smaller cabinets and 12 larger ones.
Pros: Affordable storage solution for small parts. Made in the USA. Transparent cabinets make it easy to organize and see what’s inside. Plenty of small cabinets, making it ideal for storing smaller bits, screws and bolts.
Cons: Better suited for small and lightweight parts.
5. Husky Extra Deep 46-Inch Workbench
We love everything about this Husky mobile workbench, which is a workbench and toolbox hybrid. The wheeled construction makes it easy to move this around your garage or workspace. Like most Husky products, this toolbox is made from long-lasting, durable materials. The workbench is a solid wood tabletop, while the toolbox is constructed from welded steel. On the side, you’ll find an integrated power strip with USB ports. Inside, nine drawers in various sizes hold all of your essential tools. Not only is this a great and functional toolbox, but it’s also incredibly well designed, with a rust-resistant powder coat black paint finish. In short, it’s one of the best toolboxes you’ll find.
Pros: Convenient integrated power strip with USB ports. Wheels on the bottom for easy portability. Sturdy steel and wood materials.
Cons: This is a very heavy toolbox (over 200 pounds), and customers may require assistance to place it in their garage or shop. Expensive product compared to traditional toolboxes.
6. Giantex Mini Tool Chest & Cabinet Storage Tool Box
If you’re looking for a more traditional toolbox, consider this hardy pick from Giantex. It’s still compact enough for smaller garages but affords plenty of storage space. Plus, the four rolling caster wheels make it easy to move around. There are two separate but stackable components. One is a large cabinet with one shelf, which is great for storing power tools. The other is a smaller box with three sliding drawers and a top compartment with metal latches. The top box can be removed and comes with a handle for portability. Double-check the dimensions before ordering, as the compact design won’t accommodate all tools.
Pros: This is a reasonably priced product with a classic design. It comes with two separate but stackable parts: a rolling cabinet and a three-tiered organizer.
Cons: Not as durable as more expensive options. Wheels can not lock.
7. Keter Portable Tool Box Storage Solution
This rolling box is great for on-the-go use, but it’s also well suited for everyday use in garages. There are plenty of smartly-designed details that help make staying organized easy. The two top compartments feature internal organizers, and they can slide outward to reveal the large main compartment. That makes it easy to see everything that’s in the box. It’s also highly portable — there are two wheels and an extendable handle. Plus, the top features a latch so you can safely lock your tools.
Pros: Compact, portable and affordable. Features sliding top organizers that make it easier to see what’s inside.
Cons: Locking latch could be more secure.
8. Goplus 6-Drawer Rolling Tool Chest
This rolling tool chest has a variety of organizational features to help you store both smaller and larger tools. The top organizer is detachable from the bottom one, making it easy to transport or place on a workbench. The bottom cabinet features rolling caster wheels with locks, and there are hooks on the sides for hanging commonly used tools to keep them easily accessible. The top box features four sliding drawers and a main storage compartment, and the bottom has a large open shelf and two sliding drawers. The chest comes in black or red.
Pros: Detachable top compartment, six sliding drawers for staying organized. Classic metal look. Caster wheels with locking mechanism.
Cons: This tool chest may be too small for some uses. Depending on assembly, it can become wobbly.
9. Akro-Mils ProBox Plastic Tool Box
If you’re looking for a convenient toolbox you can easily take on the go, then consider this option from Akro-Mils. The 14″ long toolbox is the perfect size for carrying smaller essentials like screwdrivers and a hammer. It can also be used as a craft box or as a first aid kit. There’s also an insert tray with a handle that can be used to keep smaller pieces like screws within reach.
Pros: Has a convenient insert tray for internal organizing. Easy to take on the go. Made in the USA. Available in bright red or clear.
Cons: Not ideal for larger tools or power tools.
10. McGuire-Nicholas 15-Inch Collapsible Tote
If keeping your tools within reach is your most important consideration, then this toolbag from McGuire-Nicholas is a good option. It has multiple pouches on the outside of the bag that make reaching in and grabbing your tools easy. And, if you’re not currently using the bag, it can be collapsed for easy storage. The handle is made out of metal with a cushioned grip for comfortable carrying.
Pros: Open top bag for easy access to essential tools. Comfortable and sturdy metal handle with cushioned grip. 14 exterior pockets.
Cons: Could use better organizers on the inside of the bag.
11. Stalwart Rolling Toolbox
This modular rolling toolbox offers ample storage, and the two tiers can be detached from each other. The top tier has several clear organizers for storing smaller pieces like screws and bolts. It opens up and can be used to store smaller tools. The bottom part is larger and can be used for storing handheld power tools and other larger pieces. There are also clips on the back for rolling up cables, and a pull-out handle makes it easy to take on the go.
Pros: Has transparent external components for easily accessing smaller pieces. Pull-out handle and wheels make it easy to take on the go.
Cons: Could be more durable.
12. Plano Contractor Grade Tool Box
This toolbox from Plano has small transparent compartments on the side for storing small pieces like screws. The fold-up handle makes this compact toolbox easy to take on the go. The lid detaches completely from the box, making it easy to reach in and grab what you need without a foldup lid getting in the way. There are also internal trays for easy organization.
Pros: Smart storage options like internal trays and transparent external compartments. Lid completely detaches for easy access to the main compartment.
Cons: Somewhat large for a handheld box.